BElement By Monism @ Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked along Lebuh Victoria in Georgetown, BElement by Monism is a new dining spot that blends semi-fine dining elements with the relaxed atmosphere of a casual café. The eatery began welcoming guests in late December 2024 and offers a comfortable space for diners to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals in a calm, contemporary setting. For lunch, the menu offers good value with a range of dishes priced from RM19.90, making it a pleasant option for those seeking an affordable yet refined dining experience. 

Christmas Promotion 2023 by JT Pâtisserie by Jeffrey Tan @ Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Nestled in the heart of Pulau Tikus area, JT Pâtisserie by Jeffrey Tan stands as an enchanting oasis for dessert enthusiasts seeking a symphony of flavors and artistic finesse. Owned and managed by renowned Pastry Chef- Jeffrey Tan, the place offers premium quality desserts that elevate your experience in sweet indulgence to new heights. Flavor-combos are carefully thought-through and curated; as a result of that, the desserts are multi-dimensional with a great depth of flavors. The quality and experience do come with a price tag and if you are looking to savor the essence of decadence, the Christmas Promotion 2023 is just in time for you. 

Diners who spend a minimum RM100 in a single receipt at JT Pâtisserie by Jeffrey Tan shall entitle for a draw for blind box and win amazing prizes like branded lipsticks, Dior Addict, Dior Le 30 Montaigne Advent Calendar Gift Set etc. The JT Xmas Blind Box Promotion started from 9 December 2023 and shall end on 25 December 2023 (valid for Dine-in and Takeaway).

Many Thanks to JT Pâtisserie for hosting us.

Discover The Joys of The Holiday Season With The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia

The countdown to year end festive season is on, with many Malaysians anticipating the Joy that comes with the approaching holiday season. Like previous years, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia is set to welcome all Malaysians on an enchanting journey to discover Joy, made possible with their special handcrafted beverages and delectable bites. Regulars' all time favorite festive season beverage- Chocolate Peppermint pairing returns this year but to spice things up, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia also rolls out something bold and adventurous- the Chocolate Chili pairing. On top of the handcrafted beverages, fellow Malaysians can also look forward to the seasonal sweet treats as well as festive offerings. 

Many Thanks to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia for hosting us.

The Sandwich Bar @ Hotel Mokozoyo, Argyll Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Housed in a new, chic with minimalist design hotel, The Sandwich Bar at Hotel Mokozoyo Argyll Road is one of the latest spots where you will some quality made-to-order sandwiches. This petite sandwich bar occupies a small corner near the hotel's entrance. Seating is limited and may not be too accommodating for bigger groups. The menu is small but you will get all the classics here like Reuben, Triple Decker etc.... along with some specialty cakes. Worth checking out if you do enjoy a good Sandwich.

Moonshine Bakehouse @ Pulau Andaman, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

A new urban development project by the E&O Group, the man-made island is currently under development but things are moving rapidly on the island. The place is now open to the public and right next to the property showroom is Moonshine Bakehouse. The newly opened cafe occupies a sweet spot and offers magnificent view over the artificial island (and back to the mainland). View-aside, the cafe has a small menu... mainly on some simple brunch items, pastries, desserts and drinks. It's a nice spot for casual meet ups over light meals. To go to Pulau Andaman, make your way to the new link bridge right next to Straits Quay Retail Marina. Register at the guardhouse and you will gain access to the island, simply follow the signage and drive towards the Showroom. The cafe is right next to the Showroom (literally a stone's throw distance away). 

Bodhi Tree Vegetarian @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

New choice for those who practice plant-based diet at Tanjung Tokong, Bodhi Tree Vegetarian is one of the latest additions to the vegetarian scene at the area. Found on first floor of Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Bodhi Tree offers a vegetarian menu with Chinese and Western options as well as some Japanese-inspired Bento sets. Choices can be overwhelming but fortunately, the food items are reasonably priced. Bodhi Tree Vegetarian just opened its doors to the public in early April 2022. 

Cafe Mangga at The Blue Mansion @ Georgetown, Penang.

Right next to the entrance to The Blue Mansion (otherwise known as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion), a small corner of the place has been converted into a food eatery... by the name of Cafe Mangga. Cafe guests need not pay entrance fee to the cafe but may enter from the small entrance right next to the main entrance. Beyond the narrow entrance is a welcoming, cozy outdoorsy seating space before reaching to the cafe. There's an air-conditioned space for the heat intolerant but for those who prefer a more outdoorsy atmosphere, they can opt to be seated on the wooden deck. The main menu features an array of Western items, from the classic Egg Ben to Sandwiches, Toasts, Pancakes or even Pasta; while the sweets are mainly cakes. Some hits and misses for the dishes we ordered but the service needs improvements (we were there on a busy Sunday so probably they did not get used to handling such a big crowd). 

Kopi & Co. @ Eastern Hotel, Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

It took me a while to figure out where is Eastern Hotel Penang (not to be confused with Eastern and Oriental Hotel)... it appears that I have seen it but does not have a deep impression on it, turns out that it is one of the recently refurbished budget hotels along Chulia Street (close to the junction of Penang Road). Kopi & Co. is the cafe housed inside Eastern Hotel. Opened for business in early 2020, the cafe serves a Western menu... offering both diners and hotel guests All-Day Breakfast items, with a few Pasta and local Asian delights. The place has an al-fresco atmosphere but can be quite warm on sultry hot afternoons.

Sugar Tang 糖书阁 @ Carnavon Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A modern but minimalist space at Carnavon Street, Sugar Tang 糖书阁 is one of the latest additions to the clamoring Penang cafe scene. The place took social media by storm during its opening stage... every corner seems to be ideal for photography. While it does offer quite a variety of sweet treats (pastries and cakes), the main menu seems to be on the weaker side... with Japanese-inspired dishes like Sushi and Don; lacking of noodle choices or other lighter options. Not a bad place for casual meet ups but perhaps not so much for a proper meal.

Hudson's Deli @ Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Penang needs more places like Hudson's Deli, a place for meat-lovers to feast on cured meat classics and savor on delicious Cheeses. The newly opened delicatessen at Tanjung Bungah carries quite a variety of cured meats and exotic Cheeses. The food menu features pretty much the same thing found at the display fridge but expect some great Sandwiches, Meat and Cheese Platters for a deli like Hudson's. The interior is pretty simple but homey- with some basic tables and chairs. It's the type of spot where families would flock to for brunch or a casual meal over stuffed Sandwiches.

Yoyo Wich @ Taman Idaman, Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Tucked away in a housing area of Simpang Ampat, Yoyo Wich is a little far from the main street but it does not stop Banh Mi lovers from getting there... mainly due to its fresh, crispy daily-baked Baguette. It's a pleasant sight to find a modern, cozy cafe at Taman Idaman and once you are in, you will be welcomed with a whiff of freshly baked Baguette. The menu is pretty much Baguette-focused, with different fillings as well as a couple choices of cakes. 

Dear Dino Cafe @ Penang Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Conveniently located in the heart of Georgetown... along the bustling Penang Road, Dear Dino Cafe serves the Georgetown crowd with healthy treats like cold-pressed fruit juices, smoothie bowls and yogurt parfaits. You will need to pay a little attention to look for this new kid in town... the place does not carry eye-catching signage but once you have stepped inside, the modern simplicity sort of elegance will take your breath away; every corner offers a picturesque spot. But it does not necessarily offer healthy juices, the Fries are equally popular; though I'd skip on the Sandwiches and some of their Potato-dishes. 

Joies Cafe @ Moulmein Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Started off as a Sourdough specialist, Joies Sourdough has finally expanded and opened a new cafe at the clamoring Pulau Tikus area. Expect the menu to be Sourdough-centric... with various add-ons to the bread; additional offering includes a small variety of Pasta dishes, Pizza and Salad. The health-conscious will be glad to know that Joies does not use Sugar and artificial flavoring for its range of traditional artisan Bread. It was also learnt that Joies Cafe does not serve meat... only plant-based ingredients and dairy/eggs. Modern-chic and comfortable atmosphere, the place is a great choice over breakfast and light-meals (serving portion might be too small for proper meals); superior food quality by the way.

Ang Ang's Roastery @ Alma, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

A relatively quieter location from the clamoring Bukit Mertajam town, Ang Ang's Roastery is a comfortable gathering spot for Coffee lovers and Tea connoisseurs. Push the door open and you will be welcomed by a strong Coffee aroma... which permeates through the whole cafe. The interior decor is minimalist... brilliantly spaced, casual couches and comfortable lighting, the whole package makes it a great place to unwind or to do some reading. The team behind Ang Ang's Roastery seems to be very serious about their Coffee and Tea, everything is carefully brewed and served. The place does not pay great attention to the food menu though... only a couple of Sandwich, Toast choices; more like a place for casual meet ups over Coffee or Tea than proper meals. 

Potters Place @ Acheen Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A stone's throw distance away from the touristy area- Armenian Street, Potters Place offers a vintage, retro platform for diners to enjoy local snacks. Unlike most cafes in town, Potters Place places great focuses on dishing out local delicacies like Curry Puff-inspired pastries and Sandwiches. Do not expect any mains or Western sweet treats here... only a small choices of pastries and sandwiches. But probably not so much on the offering, the homely atmosphere with friendly, chatty proprietor is a great welcoming touch. If you are keen to find out more about Penang or local culture, speak to her and she will be glad to share her stories and opinions. A snug, cozy corner to rest your feet while exploring the heritage zone. 

Coffee 1911 @ Magazine Road, Georgetown, Penang.

Coffee 1911 is one of the freshies along Magazine Road, joining the same row of shop house as Watercolor Bakery & Cafe; the seemingly quiet and mysterious cafe offers Malaysian- influenced menu, with a mix of the usual cafe fare. The twist is the Malaysian-influenced dishes, expect to see items like Otak-Otak, Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hainanese Chicken Chop etc. The interior decor displays a Peranakan-touch that reminds us on the older days; the use of the red, classic Thermos Flask is especially note-worthy. The lack of air-conditioner however, can be quite frustrating for the heat-intolerant. Same goes to wallet-watchers, the price points are slightly above average.

PepperSalt @ Amoy Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

For an extensive but inexpensive Western breakfast, early risers can make their way to PepperSalt at Amoy Lane, one of the streets near Hutton Lane (where Equator College is located). Established since late 2017, the humble cafe has garnered an appreciate following... the place is patronized by many morning exercisers, especially Sundays. Perhaps not for absolute taste but the comfortable-homey atmosphere and inexpensive price tags. But its never a hipstery place, the menu is pretty much breakfast-focused... featuring an array of Breakfast options, Sandwiches and a few Burger, Noodle choices for lunch. The place is kids-friendly and could cater for private birthday events if that's what you are concerned.

The Line Sandwich Cafe @ Magazine Road, Georgetown, Penang.

With a name like The Line Sandwich Cafe, one would expect the place to offer a Sandwich-focused menu but in fact, there are only a couple of Sandwich choices on offer. Strategically located at Magazine Road (near to the junction to Macalister Road, Dato Keramat and Penang Road), it is hard to miss The Line Sandwich Cafe; the new kid on the block is helmed by a Chef previously from Ferringhi Garden. If you patronize the restaurant regularly, you would notice some similar shades in both restaurants... from both menu and the interior decor. The menu features a wide range of Western dishes, from the well-received brunch items to full-fledged dining options (more like a restaurant in lieu of cafe)... though prices are slightly on the higher side (compared to most cafes in town). Casual dining atmosphere, genuine offering, impeccable service; this place is worth a visit.

Little Joe Cafe & Grill @ Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

Little Joe Cafe & Grill is one of the few cafes in the tourist-packed area of Batu Ferringhi but that does not mean the menu is weak and the prices are inflated. On the contrary, the menu is rather interesting and the price tags are unbelievably wallet-friendly. The menu features a wide variety of Western dishes- from Big Breakfast to Sandwiches, Pizza, Grills or even desserts. Those who prefer a more casual atmosphere can opt to dine-in at the Cafe side while those who prefer a proper restaurant setting may choose otherwise; the restaurant and cafe are linked (though there are 2 entrances). Generous portion and unbeatable prices, these are probably some of the reasons why this place is popular amongst both locals and tourists. Little Joe Cafe & Grill is housed in one of the shop houses behind McDonald's Batu Ferringhi.

Les Grains Bakery & Eatery @ Moulmein Rise Shoppes, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

"Les Grains" sure sounds like French but don't be fooled by the name, this newly opened oriental-fusion bakery specializes in baking Japanese-influenced bread and pastries. Bread lovers should not be new to the name- "Four Season" Bakery (previously at Straits Quay)... Les Grains is the rebranded version. All classic items from Four Season Bakery can now be found at Les Grains, everything seems unchanged except... the price tags, expect at least 20-40% hike in prices and for that very simple reason, this could be the most expensive bakery in Penang. Visitors may purchase the on-the-rack products or dine-in, there's a small Lunch menu available daily... featuring dishes like Salad, Sandwiches and Soup. Though dining here could put a dent on the wallet, Les Grains does not skimp on ingredients, the quality is still as superior as before.